People will be able to raise their concerns

Under plans by the Immigration Appellate Authority (IAA), Columbus House, in Langstone, Newport will be used as a hearing centre for asylum seekers appealing Home Office decisions.

Up to 160 appeal hearings a week by asylum seekers would be held at the centre if it were to get the go-ahead.

But the immigration authority has faced strong opposition to the plans from city residents, and Newport council's planning committee has already rejected the proposals.

The Welsh assembly decided to hold a public inquiry after the IAA appealed against the council's ruling.

A public inquiry will now open into the proposed hearing centre at on 15 July at 1000 BST at the council offices in Newport's civic centre.

Planning controls

As part of the inquiry, the IAA will present their proposals and Newport council will submit their objections to the inspectorate.

Local people will then be able to raise their concerns at a public meeting.

Following the meeting - which will be chaired by an assembly inspector - a report will be submitted to the Planning Decision Committee, which will have the final say.

Work has already started at the premises, because the development is covered by legislation which means normal planning controls do not apply.

The hearing centre is aimed at dealing specifically with appeals against immigration and asylum decisions made by the Home Office.

Primarily, the Newport centre would cover south Wales and the surrounding area.

Currently, the authority which hears asylum appeal cases uses courts in Cardiff.

But if the facility opens in the east of Newport it would become the specific hearing venue for Wales and south west England - dealing with up to 160 cases a week.